Business

Wellsburg bowling alley is under new ownership

WELLSBURG -- The new owner of Brooke Lanes II said he is enjoying making the bowling alley a place where people of all ages can have fun.

Ken Davis, who runs the bowling alley with his girlfriend, Breanna Kimbro, said it's something he had wanted to do for some time, having enjoyed the sport since he was 15.

Formerly of Reno, Nev., Davis said they looked far and wide for a bowling alley for sale and a nearby house where they could live and found both for sale by former owner, George Barnett.

Davis said Barnett also got his new venture off to a good start by investing in various renovations to the building at 76 Lindsay Ave., near state Route 67 and not far from the south end of Wellsburg.

Each Saturday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., bowlers can enjoy Cosmic Bowling, with colored lights illuminating the alley's lanes.

Davis turned on the lights for members of the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce when they visited to welcome him with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Visitors to the bowling alley also can enjoy an arcade with video and other games or order one of several burgers, with fries, from the kitchen.

To provide patrons with an extra incentive for bowling a strike, Davis has conducted such promotions as Colored Pin Night, when they can earn a free game or other prize by knocking down a red, green or orange pin and all other pins.

Players should alert a staff member before doing so, however.

In addition to weekly leagues, Brooke Lanes II has hosted the newly formed Brooke High School bowling team.

"It's been fun to have them come down. They have all of their practices here and all of their local matches here as well," said Davis, noting the male and female divisions had successful first seasons.

In an effort to attract more youth, Davis is working with others to establish a youth league, with three age divisions open to 4-year-olds, provided they can roll the ball themselves, through high school students.

He said participants will pay a $30 registration fee, which includes membership in the United States Bowling Congress and a youth league T-shirt, and a $10 weekly league fee.

Davis said while games will begin this month, he knows many local youth are involved in fall sports, so there will be an opportunity to join after that.

He noted there are opportunities for members of the U.S. Bowling Congress to obtain college scholarships.

Davis said students from Bethany College and West Liberty University have been a regular part of his clientele, and he missed them when he tried keeping the business open through this summer.

He said while the summer months were quieter, he hopes to maintain year-round operations even if it means reducing the hours somewhat during the warmer months.

Brooke Lanes II once included a bar, and while some have suggested Davis restore that aspect of the business, he said he doesn't plan to do that.

"I want it to be a family-friendly business," he said.

Brooke Lanes II currently offers open bowling from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. While Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights are reserved for leagues, the alley's arcade and kitchen are open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Davis has used its Facebook page to announce special events and promotions.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)